I purchased my first Great Dane in September 2025. At nine months old he was 135 pounds - and I am only 120 pounds! My dog (Goliath) and I needed some serious training so I did not get dragged. Bill worked with us for 6 weeks (1 x per week) and he was truly amazing. He was firm and compassionate. Goliath had the utmost respect for Bill and did what he asked. Every week we met, Goliath became more of a pleasure than a puppy pain-in-the-a@##! I've had dogs forever and have worked with several trainers. By far, Bill is the most knowledgeable and effective trainer I've ever known. I am now confident in taking Goliath anywhere and having him remain obedient. I can take him on walks without using the claw collar - something I thought I'd never be able to do. Bill makes himself available after training ends in case further help in needed. I would strongly recommend Bill - he is worth every penny. read more

Sierra K 9 Academy - Sunbathing - Pet Training Near Me - Penn Valley, California

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I also want to share how impressed I am with Bill's ongoing support. After making great progress, one of my dogs had a setback and took a step in the wrong direction. Instead of leaving us to figure it out on our own, Bill continued to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide additional support until we were back on track again. His commitment to our success went far beyond the initial training. As a result of the confidence and skills we gained through working with Bill, my daughter decided to enter her dog in a 4-H Dog Show. We were thrilled when she placed in the competition! It was a wonderful experience and a testament to the progress both our dog and our family have made. We are extremely grateful for Bill's continued encouragement and dedication. Knowing that he is there to help when challenges arise has made all the difference. We highly recommend Bill and Sierra K9 to anyone looking for not only excellent training, but also exceptional ongoing support. read more

Sierra K 9 Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Penn Valley, California

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Several months ago, I found a husky mix on the street. As an experienced husky owner, I named her Sky and decided to bring her into the family. However, I realized almost immediately that she had some serious behavioral issues--specifically intense leash aggression and barking--that I simply wasn't equipped to handle alone. After researching local options, I gave Bill at Sierra K9 a call. It was clear right away that he has a genuine passion for what he does. He took the time to listen to my specific goals: I needed Sky to truly become part of my "pack" and be well-behaved enough to join me at breweries, and events. Bill outlined his methods and experience in great detail, and we sat down to map out exactly what it would take to get her there. I opted for the two-week intensive Board-and-Train program. Bill made it clear that the training wouldn't end when I picked her up; he committed to meeting with me for as long as it took for me to feel confident. Throughout those two weeks, Bill and his wife, Shelby, sent regular progress reports, photos, and videos. Seeing her thrive gave me so much peace of mind--it was obvious she was making strides and was incredibly well cared for. On pickup day, Bill and I had a thorough hand-off session. While I was impressed with Sky's progress, Bill was honest with me: the foundation was there, but the real work was just beginning for both of us. When we got back home, I'll admit I struggled. The leash reactivity and pulling returned, and I felt completely hopeless. But Bill and Shelby didn't leave me hanging. They checked in daily, "talked me off the ledge" more than once, and quickly scheduled an in-person session at my house. When Bill arrived, he could tell I was frustrated. He calmly reminded me of the process and took Sky's leash; she immediately "snapped back into shape"--no pulling, no barking, just focus. He carefully observed my handling, gave me manageable homework, and, most importantly, helped me reframe my mindset. He taught me that training isn't a chore; it's an exercise in patience and a form of therapy for both the owner and the dog. Fast forward one month: I've been working with Sky every day and meeting with Bill weekly (and he is always perfectly on time). The transformation is night and day. While she's still a little better on the leash with him than with me (haha!), she is truly a different dog. I know now that with time and Bill's continued guidance, Sky is going to fit in perfectly. I'm actually enjoying the work, we celebrate the wins together, and I am sincerely grateful to the Sierra K9 team. read more

I cannot recommend Bill, owner and trainer of Sierra K9 Academy, highly enough. His expertise, professionalism, and ability to quickly assess and adapt to our dog's individual needs made a significant impact on our training experience. Our dog completed the two-week Board & Train program, and we were extremely pleased with the results. Bill's training approach was tailored to our dog's temperament and specific behavioral challenges, and the progress we saw was remarkable. Equally impressive was the level of support we received throughout the process. Bill and his wife, Shelby, are consistently responsive, attentive, and genuinely invested in the success of our dog and us. Before the program even began, Bill took the time to meet with us and address several specific concerns. Since our dog graduated from the program, Bill has continued to follow up and check on her progress, which demonstrates his commitment to long-term success rather than simply completing the training. If you're looking for a knowledgeable, compassionate, and highly skilled trainer who provides personalized attention and exceptional results, I highly recommend Sierra K9. We would not hesitate to work with Bill again, whether for advanced training or with any future dogs we may have. read more

I can't say enough about Bill and Shelby! I called Bill out of the blue when my 6-month-old Doberman had eaten a pair of socks and was in surgery. At the time, I was frustrated and overwhelmed. I also explained to Bill that our puppy was very scared of people and would bark and growl at friends who came over. Bill came out to meet my husband, our dog, and me, and we were immediately impressed. Our dog seemed to respect him right away. Bill never yelled or used intimidation--he just has an incredible way with dogs. He truly is the dog whisperer! We had another Doberman for 9 years, so we thought we knew what to expect, but we had never experienced anything like this. Our puppy was extremely high-energy and had very little discipline. We sent him to Bill for two weeks, and he came home like a completely different dog. Bill also showed us how to continue working with him at home. We also had to put in the work which we were excited to do. bill has been back to our home 3-4 more times, and he would gladly come back anytime we need help. We have also put in the time and followed Bill's guidance, and the difference has been incredible. He is now 10 months old and actually listens! Of course, he is still a puppy, but he now has structure, boundaries, and discipline. If you are considering a trainer for any reason, I highly recommend Bill. There may be larger facilities out there, but I honestly wouldn't look any further. Bill genuinely cares about the dogs and the families he works with, and that really shows. And Shelby deserves a shout-out too! She handles all the scheduling and is always on top of everything. They are both wonderful people, and we highly recommend them! read more

I cannot say enough good things about Bill and the incredible difference he has made for me and my dogs. I have a 7-month-old male American Staffordshire Terrier who is already 70 pounds, and I was completely overwhelmed. I had tried other training programs, but nothing was working, and I was starting to feel desperate. At one point, I was even considering a three-week program with another trainer where I wouldn't be able to see or have any contact with my dog. It didn't feel right, but I felt like I was running out of options. Thankfully, I trusted my instincts and kept looking--that's when I found Bill. From our very first phone call, I felt a sense of relief. Bill took the time to listen, and the more we talked, the more confident I became that I had found the right person. When he came out for a consultation, I was honestly amazed--within minutes, he had my dog under control in a way I hadn't been able to achieve at all. What truly sets Bill apart is that he doesn't just train your dog--he teaches YOU how to work with your dog. He gave me the tools, knowledge, and confidence to handle both of my dogs effectively. The transformation has been incredible. They're still big, energetic puppies, but now they listen, they're manageable, and I actually enjoy working with them. Bill even helped address their issue with our cat! Looking back, I'm so grateful I didn't go with that other program. Trust your gut--Bill is absolutely the right choice. If you're struggling or feeling overwhelmed like I was, don't hesitate. This was one of the best decisions I've made for myself and my dogs. read more

Sierra K 9 Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Penn Valley, California

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We had an incredible experience working with Bill, who completely transformed our anxious little Chihuahua into a much happier, more confident dog. Beyond his amazing skill with dogs, he was absolutely fantastic with our family, taking the time to connect directly with my son and involve him in every step of the process. Highlights of Our Experience: - Bill understood the unique worries of a small breed, using gentle, positive-reinforcement methods that helped our Chihuahua feel safe and build true confidence. - Kid-Friendly Approach: He bonded instantly with my son, explaining concepts in a fun, engaging way that made him feel like an essential part of the team. - Family Bonding: The session turned into a wonderful bonding experience for both my son and our dog, giving my son the tools and confidence to continue training at home. I cannot recommend Bill enough to anyone looking for a compassionate, patient trainer who knows how to bring out the best in both dogs and their human families! read more

I have two maltipoos and I wouldn't trust them with anyone. I heard too many bad stories about trainers and the first thing my sister said to me after having a conversation with Bill is that she trust him more than me. When we met him I knew he was kindhearted and will take good care of my dogs just by the way he talks. He's very passionate. I've watched videos and read things online beforehand and he knows what he's talking about. After he took them in and train them, I have too new dogs now. One who I thought no one would come near him because he nips and bark because he's fearful and the other she's happy but she had no boundaries and barks the whole day. Both could not be near humans or animals and now they can be! Thank you Bill! read more

Sierra K 9 Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Penn Valley, California

Bill and Shelby at K 9 training are flat out amazing to work with and out great people! Bill came to visit us and within minutes showed us how different our labradoodle puppy responds in trained hands.....instant difference was shocking. Does not happen over night but with some repetition with Bill and then us, our furry baby got way easier to manage. These guys are the real deal and with fair pricing too. We have a more well behaved dog and some new friends as well! Thanks Bill and Shelby! - Matt, Nancy, Alba, Elah and of course puppy Parker! read more

We met Bill during a difficult time for our fur family. Our Malinois, Cora, had suddenly developed a streak of dog aggression, a problem that became so bad, that we considered rehoming her. We signed up for Sierra K9's reactivity training, and from the first session, Bill impressed us with his apparent supernatural ability to command Cora's attention and get her under control. He helped us understand the reasons behind her problem behavior and taught us a process to correct it. By session 5, we almost didn't recognize our dog. We never imagined that she could be so calm on walks, that we could redirect her focus during dog encounters, or that she could be so responsive to commands. One thing we appreciate about Bill is the individual attention he gives to each of his clients. At no point did he seem in a hurry to get us through the 6 sessions and be done with us. He took the time to answer all of our questions and repeated instructions as many times as we needed. He even let us text him with questions and videos in between sessions, and he responded with tips for refining our technique. Throughout the training, Bill stressed that he wanted us to be successful and would continue to help with any lingering issues after the 6th session until we were comfortable with the results. As he put it, if we don't succeed, he doesn't succeed. If you've tried everything with your dog, consider calling Bill for a free consultation. His training might be what your dog is missing. read more

Sierra K 9 Academy - Our dog laying down and calmly watching people and dogs walk by, which was a HUGE change. - Pet Training Near Me - Penn Valley, California

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Bill is hands-down a phenomenal trainer and we are so lucky to have him local to us. He has demonstrated exceptional care and attentiveness to both our pup's as well as our needs. Bill is a very personable trainer and regularly sought out our input and feedback on his training method. He took the time to show us our pup's behavior through his expert lens and explained the reason behind why our puppy would exhibit certain behaviors so that the training sessions made more sense. By training us in addition to our puppy, he made sure that we would continue to follow through with our pup once he left. He also checked in with us regularly and made sure we were doing our homework- not something that every trainer will do- as he put it, if we didn't succeed with our pup, then he didn't succeed. My wife is a veterinarian and has received many hours of training on behavior, but it does not replace a qualified trainer who can take the time to work with your puppy one on one and identify their unique habits that need to be fine tuned. And I couldn't be more satisfied with the results- I can see a true difference in how our puppy thinks and responds to situations! Our puppy is a livestock guardian breed, which can be notoriously difficult to train due to their independent nature. After several training sessions, our puppy is a much more obedient dog without sacrificing any of his personality thanks to Bill! I cannot recommend Bill and Sierra K9 enough- it was well worth the price given the wonderful results we see everyday- people compliment us all the time on how calm our puppy is and are surprised when they find out he's only 6 months old and already so well mannered! read more

Sierra K 9 Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Penn Valley, California

Wanted to give a follow up review after a few months. Our boy Bruce is still a rockstar. Recall is unbreakable, bird, rabbit, turkey, or coyote it doesn't matter what it is Bruce is coming back with one command. It's really great to be able to control who and what he interacts with. Bill created lasting habits. Thanks Sierra K9 Academy. read more

Sierra K 9 Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Penn Valley, California

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Bill is the legitimate dog whisperer. I was having major problems with my dog, among them, he wouldn't get in the car and he was hostile and aggressive with other dogs and, believe it or not, children. It took Bill just a couple of lessons to convince Bo to get in the car. Turns out I was doing it wrong. Bill is now working with Bo and I on reducing his hostility and aggression with other dogs, and we're making progress. I highly recommend the Sierra canine Academy if you need help training your dog.. read more

I have a one year-old Cane Corso named Venus. Bill was amazing with Venus. I did the two week board and train and now I am going through my own training with Bill and Venus. He is very patient and communicative. He has really made Venus come out of her shell. And I am so excited to see her more confident. I want Venus to not react and to come to me when situations arise rather than handling it herself. And with Bill's help, I am also gaining the confidence to be able to handle Venus. read more

My amazing, over-loving, crazy great dane puppy broke my ankle while on a walk. When I was out of the cast and boot and walking again, we knew we needed more intensive training than the puppy classes we had done. Duncan knew the basics, but he was big and strong and completely crazy. I called around to a few trainers and ultimately ended up going with Bill. To say that Bill is phenomenal is an understatement. He not only worked with Duncan but also with me. He taught me how to be in control of Duncan and checked in regularly to ensure things were going well and to see if I had any questions. Duncan is a completely different dog now. At 18 months old, I can confidently take him on walks and out in public knowing that he will behave correctly. He is still over-loving and crazy, but completely under control when I need him to be. I highly recommend Sierra K9 and Bill! read more

We brought our golden retriever to Sierra K9 Academy because we were having a very difficult time at home. He had become aggressive toward one of our other dogs, which was creating a great deal of stress and tension in our household. In addition, he was not consistently responding to basic commands, making the situation even more challenging to manage safely. Bill took the time to understand exactly what was happening and provided us with clear, practical guidance on how to address our dog's behavior. Through his training, our dog became much more responsive to commands, calmer in the home, and easier to manage around our other dogs. We saw a noticeable improvement not only in his obedience, but also in his overall behavior and temperament. After the two week board-and-train program was complete, we also continued with weekly sessions for additional training and support. Those follow-up sessions were incredibly valuable in reinforcing what our dog had learned, answering our questions, and helping us stay consistent at home. That ongoing guidance made a meaningful difference in maintaining his progress and continuing to build better behavior over time. What stood out to us just as much was how passionate and knowledgeable Bill is about training. It is clear that he genuinely cares about helping both dogs and their owners succeed, and he brings a great deal of experience and understanding to the process. He was patient, confident, and always willing to explain the reasoning behind the training, which made us feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout the entire experience. read more

I have the typical story--rescued an adult dog, brought him home, and quickly realized he had severe fear aggression. He was biting me and others, couldn't be around other dogs, and was so out of control I couldn't take him anywhere. Honestly, I was at my breaking point. Bill from Sierra K9 came over for an evaluation, and even from that first visit, my dog's behavior improved. I knew right away he was worth it. Fast forward just five sessions, and my dog is a completely different dog. I can take him places, he's calm around other dogs and people, and most importantly--I'm no longer getting bit every day. Bill's professionalism, deep knowledge of dog behavior, and excellent coaching gave me the confidence to handle my dog in any situation. I can't say enough good things about Sierra K9. He literally saved my dog from being put down. If you're struggling with your dog, call Bill. He's the best in the business. read more

Bill and Shelby run a tight ship ! Bill has a real gift with animals especially training dogs . Hes been training for over 40 years !! He's very dependable, honest and reliable . I sent him my 4 month old Doberman for board and train . He worked wonders with her in 72hrs! He is the type of guy to tell you what you need to know, not what you want to hear. I fully trust Bill and Shelby with my baby ! I appreciate their hard work and honesty . Bill will call and check in weeks after training. Bill takes pride In his work and it shows . Thanks Sierra k9! read more

My partner and I adopted an 11-month-old, high-energy, reactive Yorkie/Schnauzer mix named Charlie. When he arrived, Charlie didn't know any commands, wasn't crate trained, struggled on the leash, and was reactive to other dogs, people, and outdoor noises. After just a few weeks of working with Bill, it feels like we have a completely new dog. Charlie is now calm, confident, and thriving as part of our family. He knows his basic commands (sit, stay, come, down, heel) as well as fun extras (twirl, up, jump, leave it), all thanks to Bill's tips, tricks, and overall obedience training. I am consistently complimented on how well-behaved Charlie is whether we're out in public, walking in the neighborhood, visiting stores, or around other dog owners. His transformation is truly impressive! Bill was an absolute pleasure to work with. He was flexible with scheduling, supportive of our family's needs, and continues to provide advice even after our sessions ended. I can't recommend Bill and his training enough. The pricing is also incredibly affordable considering the level of care, quality, and results, especially compared to other trainers we've heard about or worked with. 10 out of 10, Bill is simply the best dog trainer around! read more

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Bill is a great dog trainer. He is patient, positive, and very encouraging. He really helped me boost confidence in my dog and help me build a better bond and rapport with my dog. He not only worked with us during class time, but checked in with us multiple times throughout the week over the whole entire training period. I would highly recommend. read more

Sierra K 9 Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Penn Valley, California

From my first phone call with Bill, I knew he was the right trainer. He was super personable, took the time to answer all my questions, and explained how his approach was different from others we'd looked into. When Bill came over to meet Simon (our poodle mix) , we were blown away -- he is usually a leash-puller, but Bill had calm, confident control of him right away. It was amazing to see. We scheduled Simon for training while we were on vacation, and decided to also board our smaller dog, Casey, with Bill. When we returned, both dogs had clearly benefited. Even our little Brussels Griffon had picked up some good habits! Bill walked us through their progress and showed us how to keep up the training. What really impressed us was Bill's ongoing support. Weeks afterward, he checked in regularly. He even came to our home for a tune-up, and helped us work through some of Simon's reactive behavior. Bill remains available anytime we have questions and is genuinely committed to making sure we feel confident maintaining the progress we gained from his training. If you're looking for someone who truly understands dogs and takes the time to support you as an owner -- Bill is the one. Highly recommended! read more

When we got our rescue cattle dog mix, Toby,at one year old ,he was a nervous wreck,constantly pacing and staring at us like a wild dog . He came close to nipping our 5 year old grandson on the butt several times ,would run away when called, steal food off of the counter like a ninja and startle over the slightest surprise .Though I have owned and trained a few high strung herding dogs over the years I was almost ready to return Toby to the rescue. Then my wife found Bill Penner. Bill and his wife, Shelby, were very welcoming when we arrived for our consultation . The first time Bill leashed Toby he lunged at Bill, showed his teeth and tried to escape but Bill assured us that it was just an obedience issue and that he was totally trainable! have to admit that I was skeptical but Bill's firm direction and no nonsense approach to training was the tough love Toby needed and after the third session Toby stopped showing his teeth , accepted his new "drill Sergeant"and fell in line! By our sixth and final session Toby was a different dog, very obedient,no more pacing, nipping or hiding .Toby will always be a fast twitch dog but thanks to Bill's expert training he makes good decisions, plays with the grandsons and is a cherished member of our family! I recommend Bill Penner without any hesitation ,he's a great trainer who trains his client as well as their dog with clear ,direct instructions. Thank you Bill and Shelby! read more

Sierra K 9 Academy - Toby adventuring - Pet Training Near Me - Penn Valley, California

Familiar story, I'm sure. I adopted a dog who seemed perfect. Within two days I recognized she was highly animal reactive. I called Bill and leaned into his experience and expertise with reactive dogs. He immediately assured me that I had a kind hearted dog who needed some reactive brain rewiring. We embarked on a six week training session that yielded significant results. As Bill coached me, my job is to build my dog's confidence and be a consistent reassurance in her life. When we concluded our six weeks session Bill immediately said, "We are friends now. If you need additional help, bring your dog to me and we'll do some more work together. No charge." So grateful for this experience. read more

Sierra K 9 Academy - Arwen. Who knew she could be so obedient and listen through the noise of her reactivity? - Pet Training Near Me - Penn Valley, California

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Bill is an amazing trainer and human being. We appreciate his honesty and integrity as well as his training ability.

Bill is an amazing dog trainer. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in his field. He is patient but firm with my dog speaking to her in a calming voice even when being attacked when she didn't want to be brushed/bathed (a 10 lb Tasmanian extremely wild devil); but to Bill's credit he powered through and got it done. Not many trainers would! I couldn't recommend a better trainer if you have a difficult dog. My girl is much better behaved and a joy to be with, thanks to Bill training us both! Bill is a very dedicated professional in his craft and truly cares about the dog & owners success! If you need help in training your dog; I highly recommend Sierra K9 Academy, you won't go wrong! read more

We have had a few different trainers for our 18 month old poodle-mix but it wasn't till we hired Sierra Canine and Bill Penner that we achieved success. He is extremely knowledgable in all aspects of dog training. Working 1:1 with Bill has been incredibly beneficial in achieving some structure and obedience with our pup. He is also exceptional at training the owners! I would highly recommend him without hesitation!! read more

Sierra K 9 Academy - Frankie is now well versed in the commands of sit, stay, heel and come! - Pet Training Near Me - Penn Valley, California

I had the pleasure of working with Bill and could not be more impressed. From our first consultation, it was clear that Bill is not only highly knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about dogs and their well being. If you're looking for a trainer that who is knowledgeable, professional, and truly cares about yours dog's success. I highly recommend Bill. read more

Bill has done an amazing job with our golden. Stubborn as they come but with Bill's help, trainable. Very happy with the experience.

Bill was amazing at teaching my unruly pupster how to behave. After his 2-week board and train, Bill comes every week to make sure we're doing well. read more

Bill and Shelby are the most welcoming and caring people. I requested Bill's help with JuJu who I rescued last November. She's a cattle dog, Queensland's heeler with boundless energy. Jumping, nipping, and going after my two little dogs were behaviors that needed to stop. She was returned twice to the shelter and I believed I could make my place her forever home. Bill told me to immediately stop her medication and let him meet her. Within a few minutes he had her under control. After 2 weeks with Bill and a visit to William Land Park to go through commands with me, I feel 100% confident we can be her forever home. Bill will come by next week to check on our progress and help me make any corrections I don't know what I would have done without Bill's insights and highly recommend Bill as your dog trainer! read more

We recently rescued a 6 year old lab, and quickly realized she was unruly on walks. She would lunge, pull, and bark at people, other dogs, and bicyclists. Bill had her behavior completely turned around before our 6th class! Bill is really good at what he does and it's obvious he cares about your dog and you. I highly recommend Bill! read more